BHP Billiton updates Southern Africa operations

BHP Billiton is in receipt of a letter from the South African electricity utility Eskom requesting that power consumption be reduced to assist Eskom with meeting demand. BHP Billiton has been working with Eskom for some time to assist with demand and we continue to do so.

At this time our Bayside, Hillside and Mozal aluminium smelters continue to operate, although load shedding at those smelters is ongoing.

No mining is taking place at the Manganese mines in Hotazel. We have voluntarily reduced load at Metalloys and MMC since Thursday. We cannot be certain how long this situation will prevail and will continue to liaise with Eskom.

BHP Billiton’s coal mines are continuing to operate and are doing everything they can to ensure coal supply to Eskom.